Nigel Pearson is calling for a repeat of the “commitment and quality” that his Bristol City side demonstrated in their narrow 1-0 FA Cup defeat as they prepare to face Fulham again on Saturday.
The Robins travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday to face second-placed Fulham for the second time in seven days as they look for their first away win since October, while Marco Silva’s side come into the game off of the back of a 7-0 demolition of Reading.
Pearson’s side took a much-changed Cottagers side to extra-time last weekend in the FA Cup allowing the ex-Leicester City boss to gauge how his team matched up against their opponents.
“I thought we played pretty well,” Pearson said.
“They’ve got a very strong squad and had a massive win in the week so we know it will be a tough game.”
The 58-year-old was keen to play down the impact of Fulham’s midweek exploits in his side’s own preparation ahead of their trip to the capital.
“It’s a clear illustration of how strong they are, but Reading have a few problems of their own in terms of availability and selection of players,” Pearson explained.
“It highlights the difference between some of the top sides when they hit a rich vein of form, bearing in mind a lot of those (Fulham) players had not played for three weeks because of postponements.
“How it affects our game I don’t know, I don’t really overthink those things, to be honest with you.”
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Bristol City have won all five of their last five visits to Craven Cottage, the last a 2-1 victory in 2019 thanks to goals from Josh Brownhill and Famara Diedhiou, but the Robins’ boss doesn’t believe that offers his side an advantage.
“We’re a different team, they’re different players so who knows,” he said.
Pearson has no new injury worries to contend with, but did explain that central defender Nathan Baker is no closer to a return after being stretchered off with a head injury in the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United in November.
The midfield will be aided, with the manager also confirming Matty James was only rested for the FA Cup fixture last week and barring any late issues should be in line to start on Saturday.
Another face preparing for a return will be 23-year-old Tyreeq Bakinson with Pearson saying the central midfielder is fit again after a bout with Covid-19.
“He’ll be in the squad,” confirmed the ex-Watford boss.
“He’s fine and trained all week so he’ll be okay.
“He trained last Saturday but wasn’t available to play.”
Pearson also suggested that both Joe Williams and Robbie Cundy are getting closer to first-team returns, but this Saturday’s game had come too soon for either player.
Fulham vs Bristol City kicks off at 15:00pm on Saturday, January 15, with the Cottagers currently sitting second in the Championship and the Robins 15th.